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Comelec Flags Possible Election Code Violations By 31 Contractors Linked To 2022 Campaign Donations
Screengrab from Congress PH
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is taking a closer look at possible violations of the Omnibus Election Code after identifying 31 contractors who may have contributed to candidates in the 2022 national elections.
During a recent hearing, Comelec Chairman George Garcia revealed that the commission has been reviewing donations made to candidates who ran for national positions. He explained that while the focus for now is on the 2022 polls, the issue remains urgent because election offenses carry a five-year prescriptive period. “At least the 2022 elections will prescribe in 2027, while those from 2025 will be covered until 2030,” Garcia noted.
According to him, 31 names have so far surfaced in their initial review, but the Comelec is not yet disclosing the list publicly. Instead, the commission will first coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to determine whether these individuals or companies were actively engaged in government contracts at the time the donations were made.
Garcia emphasized that being a contractor alone does not immediately equate to a violation. The law prohibits donations only if the contractors were holding active government contracts during or after the filing of candidacies. The concern, he added, is whether campaign contributions were later rewarded with contracts once the candidates secured electoral victories.
“Without confirmation from DPWH, we cannot yet say if these are election offenses,” Garcia explained. “But once verified, we will submit the list and act accordingly under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code.”
The matter is still under review, and the commission is expected to turn over the list of possible violators once the necessary checks are completed.
During a recent hearing, Comelec Chairman George Garcia revealed that the commission has been reviewing donations made to candidates who ran for national positions. He explained that while the focus for now is on the 2022 polls, the issue remains urgent because election offenses carry a five-year prescriptive period. “At least the 2022 elections will prescribe in 2027, while those from 2025 will be covered until 2030,” Garcia noted.
According to him, 31 names have so far surfaced in their initial review, but the Comelec is not yet disclosing the list publicly. Instead, the commission will first coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to determine whether these individuals or companies were actively engaged in government contracts at the time the donations were made.
Garcia emphasized that being a contractor alone does not immediately equate to a violation. The law prohibits donations only if the contractors were holding active government contracts during or after the filing of candidacies. The concern, he added, is whether campaign contributions were later rewarded with contracts once the candidates secured electoral victories.
“Without confirmation from DPWH, we cannot yet say if these are election offenses,” Garcia explained. “But once verified, we will submit the list and act accordingly under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code.”
The matter is still under review, and the commission is expected to turn over the list of possible violators once the necessary checks are completed.
Sep 2, 2025
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